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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | Truck |
| Base Price | $37,264–$43,958 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
With an overall Carivo score of 7.7/10, the 2021 Toyota Tacoma SL earns a Recommended rating among the trucks we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Reliability at 8.7/10, while Value at 7.2/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We rate the Toyota Tacoma SL's reliability at 8.7/10 — among the strongest in our truck database, reflecting the nameplate's track record and recall history. On safety it earns 7.7/10: respectable, if not class-leading — several competitors bundle more driver-assist tech as standard. Check your trim's official ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance lands mid-pack at 7.4/10: enough power and composure for everyday needs, without the dynamics that distinguish the segment's driver-focused options. Technology comes in at 7.3/10 — functional and modern, with wireless connectivity and core ADAS features, though some competitors pack more standard tech at this price point.
Priced from $37,264–$43,958, 20 MPG, seating 5, the Toyota Tacoma SL sits in the mid-market bracket of the truck segment. Value lands at 7.2/10 — you get what you pay for, no more and no less, with a few rivals offering slightly better per-dollar returns. At 5 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.
Bottom line: Think of the 2021 Toyota Tacoma SL as the dependable pick rather than the exciting one. Shoppers who value predictability over headlines will be well served.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2021 Toyota Tacoma SL ranks #97 of 515 trucks in the Carivo database — better than 81% of the segment. Its 7.7/10 overall score is 0.3 points above the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $37,264 starting price is about 6% above the segment's median of $35,138.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Truck ranking → · Best Trucks under $50k →
Smart-money pick: the 2018 Toyota Tacoma SL scores 7.6/10 — within striking distance of the 2021's 7.7 — and starts roughly $3,500 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 7.9/10 | $42,178 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 7.9/10 | $40,950 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 7.9/10 | $39,721 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.8/10 | $38,493 | Read review → |
| 2021 (this review) | 7.7/10 | $37,264 | |
| 2020 | 7.7/10 | $36,036 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.6/10 | $34,807 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 7.6/10 | $33,579 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 7.5/10 | $32,350 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 7.6/10 | $31,122 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 7.5/10 | $29,893 | Read review → |
We rate the 2021 Toyota Tacoma SL's reliability 8.7/10 — one of the stronger records in its class.
It scores 7.7/10 overall, ranking #97 of 515 trucks in our database (better than 81% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.
The 2021 Toyota Tacoma SL starts at $37,264 and ranges up to $43,958 across trims (MSRP when new). At 20 MPG, expect roughly $2,625/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Explore the full lineup of Toyota models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.